Synopsis

After multiple deployments, Brendan O’Toole completed his final tour with the U.S. Marines in June of 2012. When O’Toole first returned home, he was in a mental state of mind similar to many of his brothers and sisters throughout the military. When he reached out for help, he was denied assistance from the Veterans Administration. With no medical support for the depression and back injuries he sustained in service, O’Toole’s frustration reached a breaking point.

A cross-country journey intended to make a difference, in the beginning, was certainly looked upon as an ambitious dream of young wonderers; however, when O’Toole reached Dallas, TX, people started to believe it was possible. Mile by mile, America arose to show its true colors within the people along the route. These unique interactions inevitably kept Brendan pushing through the toughest days on the road.

Told from the perspective of two brothers (Joey and Timmy Dwyer), the film depicts SGT. Brendan O’Toole during his passion driven pursuit. After a grueling year on the road Brendan completed his 3,600-mile run from Oceanside, CA to Portland, ME with a greater understanding of his country and himself.

The Run for Veterans

The Run For Veterans was a 501c3 registered non-profit organization started by Sergeant Brendan O’Toole and a Board of Directors. The Mission was to promote positive mental, physical & social wellbeing for United States Armed Forces Veterans and their families. As O’Toole and The Run For Veterans made their way from Oceanside, California to Portland, Maine, they organized fundraising events to gather veterans and civilians to support The USO, Team Red White and Blue, and Give an Hour. Over $400,000 was raised for these organizations.

Brendan O'Toole

SGT. Brendan O’Toole served in the United States Marine Corps from 2008-2012. During his time in the Military, O’Toole completed two successful deployments. His first tour was in response to the 2010 earthquake in Haiti. In 2011, Brendan was deployed to Afghanistan with marine air support squadron 1. Upon his arrival he was assigned to Regimental team 6. Stationed in the Western part of the Helmand Providence, outside the city of Delaram, O’Toole was responsible for all ground to air support communications. In June 2012, SGT. Brendan O’Toole completed his active Military duty.

Joey Dwyer

Inspired by the stories that alter people’s perspectives, Joey Dwyer is a young, hungry filmmaker based out of Brooklyn, NY. After studying film production in North Carolina, Dwyer started JWD Productions. He has collaborated on projects with Red Bull, NBC Ali Sports, Hurley, Toyota, INDY 500, The Explorers Club, and a handful of other creative outlets. JWDproductions.com

Timmy Dwyer

Timmy is pursuing film and commercial production in Wilmington, North Carolina. As a recent graduate of the University of North Carolina Wilmington, he seeks to make a career capturing engaging stories through innovative style and technique. He has recently captured aerial videography for clients such as JP Morgan Chase and Corbis Motion.